16 Apr 2005

The Diminishing Relevance of Critics

In the popular imagination, the art critic seems a commanding figure, making and breaking careers at will, but one hard look at today’s contemporary art system reveals this notion to be delusional.“When I entered the art world, famous critics had an aura of power”, recalls ArtBasel director Samuel Keller. “Now they’re more like philosophers—respected, but not as powerful as collectors, dealers or curators. Nobody fears critics any more, which is a real danger sign for the profession.”

Beckmann: Paris Society (1931)

Do art critics still matter?

Today's frenetic art world pushes criticism to the sidelines--and many critics are not helping matters

By Marc Spiegler [The Art Newspaper, 16 Apr 05]

In the popular imagination, the art critic seems a commanding figure, making and breaking careers at will, but one hard look at today's contemporary art system reveals this notion to be delusional."When I entered the art world, famous critics had an aura of power", recalls ArtBasel director Samuel Keller. "Now they're more like philosophers--respected, but not as powerful as collectors, dealers or curators. Nobody fears critics any more, which is a real danger sign for the profession."